Man City's date with destiny incoming! Pep Guardiola reveals when club anticipates verdict over 115 charges of alleged financial misconduct as he admits transfer uncertainty ahead of January window

City are expected to splash the cash in the January transfer window in order to address their current slump, having won once in eight games, but Guardiola has admitted he doesn't know whether up to 130 charges of financial breaches currently facing the Premier League champions will make targets reluctant to join the club.

With central-midfield linchpin Rodri expected to be out for the rest of the season and other experienced pros including Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake injured (while star attackers like Phil Foden are failing to reach their previous heights) Guardiola will almost certainly look to reinforce his squad in January. Rumoured targets include Florian Wirtz and Bruno Guimaraes, and City's restrained summer activity and record revenues mean there is plenty of cash in the coffers to support such moves.

“I don’t know,” said Guardiola when asked if the ongoing court case will impact transfer activity. “It’s going to happen in winter time. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I know the people are expecting that but I don’t know. In February, March, [maybe] will be the sentence.”

Amid the current crisis, the games keep coming thick and fast for City. On Saturday, Guardiola's side faces a tricky trip to fellow Champions League competitors Aston Villa, who will be confident they can get a result against the out-of-form champions. The Saturday lunchtime kick-off is the final test before Christmas for both teams.